A Pluralistic Guide to the Psychology of Place: Recommended Readings on Environmental Psychology, Placemaking and Architectural Design
- Archontia Manolakelli
- Nov 23
- 9 min read
Since ArchPsych went live a few years ago, I have received several heartwarming messages from readers across a (surprisingly diverse) range of disciplines, sharing how useful the articles have been in translating psychological language into something meaningful for design. I am genuinely grateful for every single one. It makes me incredibly happy to know that this space has become helpful, accessible and grounding for so many of you. Thank you for taking the time to get in touch and for your support over the years.
A common request that comes up time and again is for an introductory reading list; some direction on where to start when exploring environmental psychology and the psychology of design more broadly. It is a question that reflects a growing curiosity within architecture, and wider built environment discourse:
How do we design places that genuinely respond to human perception, behaviour and wellbeing?
In truth, I have been sitting on this article for a long time, for a few reasons:
First, there is no such thing as an exhaustive list. There is far too much out there, and condensing the field into 15-20 books doesn’t even begin to cover its breadth.
Second, everyone arrives at people-environment studies from different entry points. Mine happens to be a very particular strand of behavioural science, but others come through phenomenology, advocacy, neuroscience, architectural theory (or something else entirely!), each rooted in distinct and often contrasting ontological positions.
And finally, depending on your interests and specificity of what you are looking for, diving straight into recent academic papers may actually be the most relevant route sometimes. It really depends.
So, I am starting with a disclaimer (as I often do):
People-environment studies sit at the intersection of our environment and the lived experience within it. But the field is broad, stretching across environmental and architectural psychology, empirical research, phenomenology, neuroscience, cognition and perception, behavioural studies and many other topics and domains of knowledge that define "environment" and "experience" in very different ways.
This reading list is therefore non-exhaustive.
Instead, it introduces a selection of texts across different ontological standpoints to help architects, researchers and designers navigate the foundations of human–environment interaction and better understand their own perspectives, interests and dispositions. Some books are newer, some are older or considered classics by some disciplines. Some will be seen as highly irrelevant to this discussion by different individuals. That is okay.
I have deliberately included a variety of texts, ranging from ones I use in my day-to-day practice, to ones I very rarely reference, if at all, because they don't align with my personal approach. I have enjoyed reading all of them nonetheless. The intention is for readers to explore which perspectives resonate most with their personal philosophies, and experiment with different perspectives.
If there is something you feel must absolutely be listed here, please let me know, but keep in mind that these recommendations don’t include affiliate links, sponsored content or books by authors I know personally.
Why Start With a Reading List?
All that aside, a well-chosen set of texts provides language, frameworks and evidence for understanding how people actually experience space. It helps architects, designers and researchers:
Frame problems more precisely (Why does this street feel empty? Why is this classroom fatiguing?)
Understand perceptual and behavioural mechanisms (wayfinding, stress, restoration, social interaction, place attachment)
Translate insight into design criteria (visibility, enclosure, sensory load, spatial clarity, refuge, materiality, biophilic cues)
This list is not about reading everything at once, but about building a conceptual scaffold in the form of references you can return to throughout your design practice as your interests evolve. Each of the categories below include 2-3 readings as a starting point to the general topic.
Environmental Psychology Foundations (start here if you are looking for a broad perspective of the field)
“Environmental Psychology for Design” by Dak Kopec
Citation: Kopec, D. (2024). Environmental Psychology for Design (4th ed.). Bloomsbury/Fairchild. https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/environmental-psychology-for-design-9781501391866/
What it’s about: A practical, architect-focused introduction to how psychological principles shape user experiences in buildings and interiors.
Why it matters:
Introduces perception, cognition, privacy, territoriality, stress and wayfinding
Connects psychological mechanisms directly to design decisions
Extremely accessible for practitioners
“Environmental Psychology: An Introduction” by Linda Steg & Agnes de Groot
Citation: Steg, L., & de Groot, J. I. M. (2019). Environmental Psychology: An Introduction (2nd ed.). Wiley Blackwell. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781119241072
What it’s about: A comprehensive overview of environmental psychology as an academic discipline, explaining behaviour–environment relationships, sustainability and perception.
Why it matters:
Explains environmental stressors, attitudes and pro-environmental behaviour
Strong theoretical foundation
Useful for evidence-based design and policy thinking
Landscape, Perception & Restorative Experiences
“The Experience of Landscape” by Jay Appleton
Citation: Appleton, J. (1975). The Experience of Landscape. Wiley. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1638871.The_Experience_of_Landscape
What it’s about: The seminal text introducing Prospect–Refuge theory, explaining why people prefer certain spatial relationships in landscapes.
Why it matters:
Defines visual and spatial cues for perceived safety and comfort
Foundation for restorative design and open space planning
Essential for understanding innate spatial preferences
“With People in Mind: Design and Management of Everyday Nature” by Rachel & Stephen Kaplan
Citation: Kaplan, R., Kaplan, S., & Ryan, R. (1998). With People in Mind: Design and Management of Everyday Nature. Island Press. https://islandpress.org/books/people-mind
What it’s about: A clear, research-based introduction to Attention Restoration Theory and how everyday nature supports cognitive wellbeing.
Why it matters:
Defines Coherence, Complexity, Legibility, Mystery
Provides design guidelines for restorative outdoor and semi-natural environments
Highly relevant to parks, campuses and therapeutic landscape design
Place, Identity & Meaning
“Place and Placelessness” by Edward Relph
Citation: Relph, E. (1976). Place and Placelessness. Pion. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4691846-place-and-placelessness
What it’s about: A foundational phenomenological exploration of how people experience place, identity and belonging.
Why it matters:
Explains sense of place, insideness/outsideness
Discusses the erosion of place in modernity
Essential for thinking about meaning, context and authenticity
“The Power of Place” by Winifred Gallagher
Citation: Gallagher, W. (1993). The Power of Place. Poseidon Press.https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/175202.The_Power_of_Place
What it’s about: A narrative-driven overview of how environments influence mood, behaviour and wellbeing in everyday life.
Why it matters:
Highly accessible introduction to the psychology of place
Bridges scientific insight with lived experience
Useful for residential, therapeutic and urban design thinking
Wellbeing, Health & Nature Connection
“Healing Spaces: The Science of Place and Well-Being” by Esther Sternberg
Citation: Sternberg, E. M. (2009). Healing Spaces: The Science of Place and Well-Being. Belknap Press. https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674057487
What it’s about: A science-based exploration of how spatial qualities influence stress, immunity and emotional states.
Why it matters:
Connects neuroscience with spatial design
Highly relevant to healthcare, workplace and restorative architecture
Strong evidence base for sensory design
“The Great Indoors” by Emily Anthes
Citation: Anthes, E. (2020). The Great Indoors. Scientific American/FSG. https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/49235669-the-great-indoors
What it’s about: A lively investigation into the behavioural and biological impact of interior environments.
Why it matters:
Covers light, air, sound, microbes, social layout
Brings interior psychology to the forefront
Highly readable and engaging
“Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life” by Stephen Kellert, Judith Heerwagen & Martin Mador
Citation: Kellert, S. R., Heerwagen, J., & Mador, M. (Eds.). (2008). Biophilic Design. Wiley. https://www.wiley.com/en-gb/Biophilic+Design%3A+The+Theory%2C+Science+and+Practice+of+Bringing+Buildings+to+Life-p-9780470163344
What it’s about: A foundational guide to integrating nature-based principles into built environments.
Why it matters:
Defines biophilic patterns and frameworks
Grounded in biology and psychology
Influential across architecture and urbanism
Cities, Public Life & Behaviour in Urban Space
“Cities for People” by Jan Gehl
Citation:Gehl, J. (2010). Cities for People. Island Press. https://islandpress.org/books/cities-people
What it’s about: A human-centred guide to designing walkable, sociable, comfortable urban environments based on decades of behavioural observation.
Why it matters:
Clear design criteria for public realm
Strong empirical grounding
Essential for urban design practice
“How to Study Public Life” by Jan Gehl & Birgitte Svarre
Citation: Gehl, J., & Svarre, B. (2013). How to Study Public Life. Island Press. https://islandpress.org/books/how-study-public-life
What it’s about: A practical manual for observing and analysing human behaviour in public space.
Why it matters:
Introduces mapping, counting, tracing and behavioural recording
Helps designers gather and interpret real user data
Useful for evidence-based urbanism
Design Research Methodology & Architectural Psychology
“Inquiry by Design” by John Zeisel
Citation: Zeisel, J. (2006). Inquiry by Design (Rev. ed.). W. W. Norton. https://www.wiley.com/en-au/Inquiry+by+Design%3A+Environment%2FBehavior%2FNeuroscience+in+Architecture%2C+Interiors%2C+Landscape%2C+and+Planning-p-9780393731842
What it’s about: A methodological guide to integrating behavioural research into the architectural design process.
Why it matters:
Introduces programming, interviews, observation, participatory methods
Helps designers integrate research from the earliest stages
Strong bridge between psychology and practical design
“Psychology for Architects” by David Canter
Citation: Canter, D. (1974). Psychology for Architects. Elsevier Science Ltdhttps://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/31303891-psychology-for-architects
What it’s about: A classic introduction to how buildings shape and support human action, written by one of environmental psychology’s early pioneers.
Why it matters:
Explains behaviour settings, activity patterns, functional analysis
Frames architecture as shaping behaviour
Historically important but still highly relevant
Embodied Experience, Sensory & Neuroarchitecture
“The Eyes of the Skin” by Juhani Pallasmaa
Citation: Pallasmaa, J. (2005). The Eyes of the Skin. Wiley. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15027194-the-eyes-of-the-skin
What it’s about: A philosophical critique of visual dominance in architecture, advocating for multisensory, embodied design.
Why it matters:
Emphasises touch, sound, materiality and atmosphere
Essential for understanding spatial experience beyond vision
Influential across phenomenology and architectural pedagogy
“Your Brain on Art” by Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross
Citation: Magsamen, S., & Ross, I. (2023). Your Brain on Art. Penguin Random House. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/697351/your-brain-on-art-by-susan-magsamen-and-ivy-ross/
What it’s about: An accessible introduction to neuroaesthetics, exploring how artistic and spatial experiences shape brain function and wellbeing.
Why it matters:
Explains biological mechanisms underlying aesthetic experience
Connects neuroscience with creativity and sensory design
Supports wellbeing-oriented architecture
“Brain Landscape: The Coexistence of Neuroscience and Architecture” by John P. Eberhard
Citation: Eberhard, J. P. (2009). Brain Landscape. Oxford University Press. https://academic.oup.com/book/32846
What it’s about: A foundational text in neuroarchitecture exploring how the brain processes spatial form, pattern, light and movement.
Why it matters:
Connects cognitive neuroscience with environmental design
Offers early frameworks for brain-aware architecture
Key link between biology, perception and built form
Phenomenology, Atmosphere & Experiential Interpretation of Space
“In Praise of Shadows” by Jun’ichirō Tanizaki
Citation: Tanizaki, J. (1977). In Praise of Shadows. Leete’s Island Books. (Original work published 1933) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34473.In_Praise_of_Shadows
What it’s about: A poetic and culturally grounded meditation on light, shadow, texture and sensory subtlety in traditional Japanese architecture. Tanizaki reflects on how dimness, patina and quiet atmospheres evoke emotional depth and cultural meaning.
Why it matters:
Highlights the psychological impact of shadow, ambiguity and softness
Offers a counterpoint to modern design’s fixation on brightness and clarity
Deepens understanding of atmosphere, cultural perception and sensory restraint
A foundational text for thinking about “mood” and spatial tone
“The Poetics of Space” by Gaston Bachelard
Citation: Bachelard, G. (1964). The Poetics of Space (M. Jolas, Trans.). Beacon Press. (Original work published 1958) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13269.The_Poetics_of_Space
What it’s about: A phenomenological exploration of intimate spaces and the emotional, imaginative, and symbolic resonances they hold. Bachelard examines rooms, corners, shells, nests and attics as vessels of memory, daydreaming and inner life.
Why it matters:
Offers a rich vocabulary for understanding psychological intimacy in architecture
Helps designers consider how space shapes memory, reverie and belonging
Encourages sensitivity to small-scale, everyday spatial experiences
A seminal anchor text across architectural phenomenology
“Invisible Cities” by Italo Calvino
Citation: Calvino, I. (1974). Invisible Cities (W. Weaver, Trans.). Harcourt. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9809.Invisible_Cities
What it’s about: A lyrical, imaginative exploration of cities as metaphors for human experience. Through conversations between Marco Polo and Kublai Khan, Calvino portrays dozens of fictitious cities, each expressing a different psychological, cultural or existential dimension of urban life.
Why it matters:
Though not explicitly within the realm of environmental psychology in the scientific sense, or phenomenology in the philosophical sense, it is one of the most influential texts for understanding place, imagination, identity, narrative and the psychological framing of cities.
Shows how cities carry symbolic, narrative and emotional meaning
Highlights the psychological and imaginative layers that shape spatial experience
Encourages designers to think beyond form and function toward meaning, memory and storytelling
Complements phenomenological and sensory texts with a literary, conceptual lens
Final Thoughts
Putting together your own reading list is about building a scaffold for your design thinking, something you can return to as you translate psychological insight into everyday architectural practice. These texts can inform how you approach your own philosophical position, brief writing, layout decisions, programming, materiality, circulation, public vs private space, sensory experience, restoration values, social life and ultimately the deeper meaning of place.
As you work through the readings, consider creating your own reference sheets. For each book, note:
2–3 key ideas relevant to architects
1 design implication
1 project question you can test
Over time, you will develop a bespoke library of design-psychology evidence - a set of insights you can actively apply to briefs, sketches and built work.
Enjoy!
Archontia Manolakelli is an ARB Chartered Architect and Behavioural Design Researcher based in Manchester, UK. Her work embeds behavioural science into the design of everyday spaces as a quiet force for change, helping workplaces, schools, and civic environments better reflect the people who use them. Grounded in evidence-based practice, her approach bridges the gap between theory and application, academia and practice, science and intuition.
Hello. Thank you for stopping by, I hope you have enjoyed your reading! If you have any questions or feedback on this article, please don't hesitate to drop me a line on LinkedIn or via email.